Launchpad for an Olympic Career

March 16, 2017

Valley Preferred Cycling Center

By Marty Nothstein

Olympic Gold Medalist

The Valley Preferred Cycling Center opens doors for people. The velodrome has evolved, changed names, and adapted over the years, throughout the generations; however, it never has strayed from being a community leader and a place that opens doors for the community.

When I was young, the velodrome opened my eyes to the sport of track cycling. After a few years of the free community programs, which are still offered to this day, I realized my talents and passion for the sport. This facility has served as the launchpad for my Olympic career and my post-Olympic life. I owe much of what I accomplished around the world to the velodrome in Trexlertown.

What the velodrome meant for me as a young cyclist still serves the same purpose for today’s stable of young athletes in track cycling. For decades, this facility has landed at least one person on the United States’ Olympic team. For decades, this facility has changed thousands of lives through the sport of cycling and promoting a healthy lifestyle. For decades, this facility has become a staple of the Lehigh Valley, offering so much to so many, from teaching people how to ride a bike to providing a pathway for local track cyclists to climb the ladder to the top of the sport.

For over 40 years, this Lehigh County park has stayed true to what its founder Bob Rodale wanted. It has provided a source of recreational exercise for the general public and has hosted world cups, world championships, the Olympic Trials, and numerous national championships. From my time as a world-class athlete, I always felt a sense of belonging in T-Town. The community embraced me and allowed me to become the most decorated American track cyclist ever. Now as Executive Director, I strive to continue that welcoming environment to harbor young, energetic riders who may just want to ride for fun or become the next Marty Nothstein. Regardless of their goals, the gates at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center are what they walk through to achieve them.